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2013 mitsubishi outlander Reviews and News

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

By
Automobile Magazine
- 01/31/2013

New For 2013

Nothing changes now, but an all-new 2014 Outlander model is expected to debut by the end of 2013.

Overview

My, how times change. Once, Mitsubishi’s U.S. portfolio was hinged on SUVs; today, the Outlander is the company’s only remaining sport-utility. It might share its architecture with the Outlander Sport, but there’s no mistaking the two when placed side by side. The Outlander is a larger, more mature, and arguably more-family-friendly offering. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the base ES and midlevel SE trims—the latter available with front- or all-wheel drive. Mated with a continuously variable transmission, the four-cylinder can deliver up to 28 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive form, but with nearly 3400 pounds of mass to move, acceleration suffers somewhat. We’d recommend stepping up to the GT, which is the only Outlander that offers six-cylinder power. A 3.0-liter V-6 provides an adequate 230 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, opting for all-wheel drive on a GT model ushers in Mitsubishi’s S-AWC driveline. Also found in the Lancer Evolution, this system can vector torque between the rear wheels, improving traction and cornering. We’d love to see a little more sophistication in terms of interior packaging and design, and perhaps that will happen sooner rather than later. Mitsubishi has said that an all-new Outlander will join its lineup later in 2013 as a 2014 model.

Safety

Front, side, and side curtain air bags for the first and second rows; ABS; traction and stability control; a security alarm; and tire-pressure monitoring are standard.

You'll like:

Handsome exterior

Seating for up to seven

Impressive handling/steering

You won't like:

Road noise

Cramped third row

Middling interior quality

Key Competitors For The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

We've all heard the news by now: in the wake of Suzuki's death in the United States, Mitsubishi doubled-down and promised to stay in the U.S. market despite ballooning inventory, tanking sales, and little in the way of new product. While the first two points are more difficult to fix, Mitsubishi hopes to address the third later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show by launching two new products, the 2014 Outlander SUV and a new Limited Edition trim level for its 2013 Outlander Sport CUV.

Mitsubishi is very proud of its all-new, third-generation Outlander. Why? Because the carmaker engineered the new crossover to not only be a traditional internal-combustion-powered vehicle, but also one ready to integrate plug-in hybrid drivetrain components.

Mitsubishi will debut the plug-in hybrid version of the 2013 Outlander, which bowed in Geneva earlier this year, at the Paris Motor Show this fall. Originally previewed by the various PX-MiEV concepts of the last few years, the Outlander PHEV will be shown off in production form when it hits the stage in Paris.
Mitsubishi says the third-generation Outlander will be the first mainstream automobile designed from the outset with conventional internal combustion and hybrid drivetrains in mind. Two electric motors will power the Outlander PHEV -- one in front and one in the rear -- supplemented by a front-mounted gasoline engine that can act as a traction motor or generator. The Outlander PHEV will also feature permanent four-wheel drive, and can drive its wheels through three selectable modes. “Series” and “Parallel” modes rely on the gasoline engine to act as a generator or directly power the wheels, while “Pure” mode runs the vehicle completely on electric power.
Mitsubishi says the Outlander’s plug-in hybrid system achieves range and emissions performance close to that of the PX-MiEV II concept, which boasted a range of nearly 500 miles and a carbon emissions target of less than 50 g/km.
The Outlander PHEVwill go on sale in Europe sometime in 2013, while the standard Outlander will begin deliveries in Western and Eastern Europe this fall. The Outlander Plug-in’s exact specifications aren’t yet available, but further details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s debut in Paris this September.
Source: Mitsubishi

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Summary

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

Consequences

A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.